China's Smartphone Market Fell 6.3% in 3Q23 Despite the Buzz Led by Huawei’s Flagship Products

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According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, 67.1 million smartphones shipped in China in 3Q23, down 6.3% year-on-year (YoY) as smartphone vendors remained discreet before more new products launched in the last quarter of the year.

Nevertheless, a sign of the market bottoming out emerged as consumers were attracted by the social buzz led by the Huawei Mate 60 series while the key vendors put more focus and hope in 4Q23, especially during the Singles’ Day online shopping festival.

Honor returned to the top spot after more than a year, with its 3 new foldable models enhancing its position in the high-end US$600 segment. Apple launched the iPhone 15 series but saw lower-than-expected demand. Although the highest-end iPhone 15 Pro Max was more well-received, it faced supply constraints in the early sales period.

“The Chinese market is expected to see its first YoY growth in 4Q23 after more than two years, mainly driven by more intense competition and a low comparison base,” said Will Wong, Senior Research Manager for Client Devices at IDC Asia/Pacific. Wong adds, “Nevertheless, challenges remain, especially since Chinese consumers have become more rational, with FOMO sentiment not as strong as pre-COVID.”